Fender Telecaster Thinline

1972 Fender guitar and bass catalogue - page 8

Description and image of the semi-acoustic version of the Fender Telecaster; the Telecaster Thinline. Pictured is a Natural Ash example. The previous catalogue showed another thinline Tele with Natural finish, but made of mahogany rather than Ash; as of late 1972 only ash was listed as available.

This is the first catalogue to show the Thinline Tele with humbuckers rather than single coil pickups. Note also the bullet truss rod adjustment nut, another new feature for '72. Compare this guitar with the equivalent model from the 1970 Fender catalogue.

June 1973 prices are unchanged from those of 1970; despite the new pickups - the base price is still $375 is for a Sunburst Tele and $392.50 for custom colour example. Right handed models now also have the option of a Bigsby tremolo at an additional $65, making a custom colour Thinline Telecaster with Bigsby $457.50.

Other than Sunburst and Natural Ash, available finishes at this time include Blond, Lake Placid Blue, Olympic White, Black, Candy Apple Red and Walnut.